The Power of One

Today, a colleague shared with me the story of my friend who is retiring. On Saturday they had a big shindig (is that a word?) Anyway, they had a big party for her - My colleague told me how students from 20 and 30 years past came to her party to celebrate her. Many shared stories of the impact this one person had on their lives. This is The Power of One. The power of one person to change the life of another, and they another, and they another...it is the ultimate story of "Pay it Forward." It is also a good reason to give teachers more money - we do so much more than we ever get credit for. I'll tell you what? This woman - she is one of a kind. The kind that does not come along very often. The kind I will miss every single day. What she accomplished in her life is so important. She won't be invited to the White House, The Lakers will because they play a game and they won. Big Deal! This woman changed the lives of children, and their lives were better for the one year they spent in her classroom. Her impact made each life better - how incredible is that? Seriously, and I don't do serious very often, but seriously - how many of us can say our life's work will live on forever, forever, and forever - long after we retire or retire, retire - what we accomplished still trickles through the veins of children? That is awe inspiring - she is awe inspiring - Next time you think teachers are overpaid, highly protected, unionized, vacation taking, nummy-nuts - think of my friend, think of the children whose lives she changed - then think how much better our entire world is - then just be quiet because you don't know what you are talking about - The Power of One is amazing...what is cool, really cool - you too can exhibit this power. Just try helping someone, volunteering, being kind, reaching back, paying it forward, I don't know just be nice for a change. We could all do that!